Post from 3 March 2025
91st Fête du Citron®: "Journey(s) to the stars
From February 15 to March 2, 2025, the 91st edition of the Fête du Citron® ended in a blaze of color and tradition, leaving behind the memory of a magical journey to the heart of a universe inspired by lemons and the stars.
This event, which welcomed over 200,000 visitors, continues to enhance Menton’s identity and enrich its cultural heritage.
Origins and emergence of a tradition
The roots of the Fête du Citron® go back to 1929, when Menton, still the continent’s leading lemon producer, saw the birth of a singular tradition. It was at this time that a hotelier had the idea of organizing a flower and citrus exhibition in the gardens of the Hôtel Riviera.
Such was the success of this event that, in 1930, the festival was expanded to include a parade down the town’s streets, with carts of shrubs planted with oranges and lemons. With a view to developing tourism and promoting local distinctiveness, the town council gave the parade all the color and vitality typical of Menton.
Thus, the Fête du Citron® was officially born in 1934, and has continued to modernize while preserving its traditions.
Cultivated citrus varieties
The Menton region is renowned for the diversity and quality of its citrus fruit. Traditionally, local orchards have grown several varieties of lemon, including the famous Lisbon and Eureka, prized for their robustness and unique taste.
In addition to lemons, other citrus fruits such as citron and orange also find their way into the orchards, contributing to the renown of local agriculture. These varieties, carefully selected and cultivated according to ancestral know-how, are at the heart of a production that combines tradition and innovation, and continues to influence both gastronomy and the art of living in Menton.
Recognition and quality labels
The work of Menton’s farmers and the excellence of its products do not go unnoticed. Menton lemons, renowned for their exceptional quality, benefit from know-how handed down from generation to generation.
In 2019, the Fête du Citron® was included in France’s inventory of intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, an official recognition that underscores the historical and cultural value of this tradition.
These distinctions, combined with various quality labels, help promote local agriculture and strengthen the reputation of Menton lemons nationally and internationally.
Economic and social consequences
The cultivation of lemons and other citrus fruits plays a fundamental role in Menton’s economy. In addition to agriculture, this sector makes a major contribution to the town’s dynamism as a tourist destination.
The Fête du Citron®, for example, attracts over 200,000 visitors every year, generating significant economic spin-offs for local shops, hotels and services.
Socially, agricultural activity and the associated festivities strengthen ties between residents, promote local employment and perpetuate a cultural heritage that enhances the identity and pride of the Menton community.
A cherished tradition
Today, the lemon continues to symbolize the soul of Menton. It is present not only in agricultural production, but also in the heart of local culture through festive events, craft markets and exhibitions.
The Fête du Citron® embodies this duality between tradition and modernity, celebrating the fruit in all its splendor while incorporating artistic and event innovations. In this way, the Menton lemon remains a bridge between past and present, a source of pride and inspiration that continues to enrich daily life and the local economy.
All this goes to show just how much the lemon has become a true emblem of Menton, carrying with it the heritage of a unique terroir and the passion of a community attached to its roots.
Edition highlights
This 2025 edition, under the theme “Voyage(s) into the stars”, captivated its public with the richness and diversity of its entertainment. For more than 15 days, the heart of Menton vibrated to the rhythms of the Golden Fruit Corsos and the vitamin-packed Night Corsos: parades of sumptuously decorated floats, made up of citrus fruits, that lit up the streets and thrilled young and old alike. The parades, a veritable showcase for the creativity of our designers, offered an unforgettable visual experience, blending tradition and modernity in a magical universe.
Events, workshops and exhibitions
In addition to the parades, the event featured a varied and interactive program of activities. The public was able to admire the free-access exhibition of citrus motifs, set up in the magnificent Biovès gardens, an emblematic site that invites visitors to stroll and discover. In addition, the handicrafts market and the orchid and winter garden fair, with their enchanting scents, offered visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the art of living and local know-how. Workshops for younger visitors, as well as artistic demonstrations, reinforced the convivial, intergenerational aspect of the festival.
Cultural recognition and heritage
The Fête du Citron® is not just a festive event: it is also recognized for its cultural and heritage contribution.
In 2019, the event was included in France’s inventory of intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, a tribute to its rich history and its major role in enhancing Menton’s identity.
This official recognition underlines the importance of the festival as a vehicle for passing on traditions and promoting local excellence.
Review and outlook
The 2025 edition of the Fête du Citron® has once again confirmed its success and its ability to amaze visitors with an inventive program that respects its origins.
From the historical genesis of the event to its contemporary evolution under the theme “Voyage(s) dans les étoiles”, the festival has become a highlight of Menton’s cultural calendar.
This positive assessment opens the way to ever more ambitious prospects for future editions, promising to continue celebrating the heritage, art de vivre and creativity for which this unique event is renowned.
